Finally, it’s fall! The weather cools down, the leaves start to change, spooky season kicks off, and you can finally (almost anyway) wear your favorite cozy sweater! You might as well enjoy all that fall brings AND stay on top of your fitness routine. If you are looking for activities that are fun, all about fall, and help you stay fit, here are some ideas!

1. Hiking! Hiking in the fall is the absolute best. It’s not sweltering hot, there are fewer mosquitoes, and the foliage is beautiful. Whether it’s a short hike or a long one, challenging to easy, spending time in nature is not only good for you physically, but it’s great for your mental health too!
2. Football, soccer, or other outdoor sports! Touch football is fun for the whole family (even if you aren’t good at it), and with the temps finally reaching comfortable levels, fall is the perfect time to play a game with your friends and family! It gets you moving, increases coordination, and encourages teamwork! 
3. How about a nature scavenger hunt? This one is especially great if you have kiddos. Add a bunch of stuff to your list that you’ll find around your neighborhood, on a hike, or at the park, and watch your kids (or your friends; it’s fun for everyone) run around looking for what nature has to offer! I like the idea of a leaf scavenger hunt- you can take them home and make a scrapbook of all the types and colors of leaves you and your kids found!
4. Visit a pumpkin patch or go apple picking. In no way is this an intense form of exercise, but you might be surprised about how much walking you can do when you’re searching for the best pumpkin or the most delicious apple. You can go alone and find some solitude, bring your friends, or bring your whole family! Plus if you go apple picking, you already have a healthy snack for after. 
5. While you’re at the pumpkin patch, why not do a corn maze? Again, this is fun alone, with friends, or with the family. It’s a great chance to go for a walk and have fun simultaneously! 
6. Want a more intense level of exercise? Now is the perfect time to run. The weather is cool, and the scenery is beautiful. Plus, if running has ever been on your New Year’s Resolutions list, kick the list and start now while it’s easier to go outside and get it done!
7. Feeling particularly ambitious? Trail running combines the beauty of nature with a fantastic cardio workout. The varying inclines, obstacles, and terrain are a great way to train your body for better balance!
8. Fall is also a great time to start cycling. If you don’t love the higher-impact nature of running, biking is a great solution to your cardio needs. Plus, you still get to spend time in nature and with your friends or family, and it’s a pretty fast way to travel to your favorite coffee shop for all those delicious seasonal flavors. 
9. Here’s a less fun one, but it’s a good way to put a positive spin on a necessary evil. Raking leaves, although not the most exciting activity, still gets you up and moving and works your core, arms, and back muscles. Next time you are dreading raking your yard, remember there is a silver lining!
10. Weather feeling a little too chilly for you to enjoy the great outdoors? Come participate in our semi-private or private training sessions, enjoy our total body vibration machine, and join an amazing, supportive fitness community here at Fit St. Charles! If you’ve never come to see us before, sign up for our free No Sweat Intro and see why we were voted best personal trainer and best fitness center in Kane County!